Picture pairs
Find the two pictures that are the same. Pictures can stay showing.
Gentle Games for People with Dementia
11 free games to play together in your browser. Large pictures, plain words, and nothing to fail: no timers, no scores, no sign-up.
Find the same
Look at the picture at the top and tap the same one below.
Sort together
Put each picture in its basket: kitchen or garden, and more.
Picture puzzle
Tap two pieces to swap them until the picture is whole.
Finish the saying
Complete familiar sayings together, then talk about them.
Large-print word search
Big letters, a few words, across and down only. Print it too.
Coloring pages
Tap a color, then a part of the picture. Print pages too.
Conversation cards
Picture cards with open, gentle questions. No quizzing.
Photo pairs
Choose your own photos and match them. Nothing is uploaded.
Picture bingo
Printable picture bingo cards and a big-screen caller for groups.
Calm breathing
A slow circle to breathe along with. Start and stop when you like.
Choosing a game by stage
Stages are only a rough guide. Follow what the person enjoys and what feels comfortable today.
| Stage | Games that often suit |
|---|---|
| Early stage | Picture pairs, Sort together, Picture puzzle, Finish the saying, Large-print word search, Coloring pages, Conversation cards, Photo pairs, Picture bingo, Calm breathing |
| Middle stage | Picture pairs, Find the same, Sort together, Picture puzzle, Finish the saying, Coloring pages, Conversation cards, Photo pairs, Picture bingo, Calm breathing |
| Later stage | Picture pairs, Find the same, Coloring pages, Conversation cards, Photo pairs, Calm breathing |
More ideas away from the screen: 101 activities for people with dementia,activities and games for Alzheimer's,gentle memory games and puzzles.
Questions and answers
Which game should we start with?
Picture pairs with four tiles is a calm first choice. If choosing between pictures feels like too much, try Find the same with two pictures. For a group, try Picture bingo.
Do the games work on an iPad or phone?
Yes. Every game works in the browser on phones, tablets and computers, and the pictures grow to fill the screen. A tablet on a stand is often the most comfortable for two people.
Are these games good for someone with Alzheimer's?
Yes. They were made for people living with dementia, including Alzheimer's, the most common cause. Pictures stay showing, there are only a few choices, and nothing is timed or scored, so the games lean on recognizing familiar things rather than remembering new ones.
Are these memory games for seniors?
They are matching and picture games that any older adult can enjoy, but they are built not to test memory: in Picture pairs the pictures stay face up unless you choose otherwise. Our guide to memory games for seniors with dementia explains how to keep any memory game gentle.
Are there games for groups in a care home?
Yes. Picture bingo has printable cards and an on-screen caller, and Finish the saying and Conversation cards work well read aloud to a group.